Thames Valley Police 'lost opportunities' to stop sex offence PC

Luke Horner was jailed for six years and four months

A police force was told an officer "repeatedly asked a 15-year-old girl to send naked pictures of herself" before he later committed a child sexual offence, an inspection found.

There were five "lost opportunities" to take stricter action against former Thames Valley Police officer Luke Horner, the investigator said.

Horner, 24, from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, was jailed in October.

The force said it would review the inspection recommendations.

Horner was based at Amersham Police Station, Buckinghamshire, and was suspended from duty on 13 June 2023 when he was arrested.

He had travelled to Rushden, Northamptonshire, while off duty to commit the offence, which he recorded on the victim's phone

Horner was sentenced to six years and four months in prison after admitting penetrative sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.

'Lost opportunities'

The investigation by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) concluded the force could not have reasonably anticipated Horner would commit the offence.

However, it found the force "lost at least five opportunities to take stricter action against him" during the initial vetting stage and while he was a serving police officer, which could have led to his dismissal.

HMICFRS said there was an allegation in 2022 that Horner, while a serving officer, had been chatting online with a 15-year-old girl whom he allegedly asked to send him naked photos, which was only followed up once.

The inspectorate said due to "the gravity" of the information, "repeated and exhaustive attempts" to contact the person should have been made.

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At the initial vetting stage, the force should have made further inquiries into two separate issues - a potential sexual assault allegation in 2016 and his early departure from the British Army, HMICFRS found.

There were further concerns about Horner's honesty and integrity following several incidents, including taking evidence home in his bag and reporting it stolen, as well as misuse of a taser.

His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said it was "very clear" PC Horner was "not suited to being a police officer".

He said "several areas of learning" for the force were identified and said it would be revisited for inspection in 2024 when its vetting, professional standards and counter-corruption arrangements would be examined in more detail.

Thames Valley Police Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs says the force will review the inspectorate's recommendations

Thames Valley Police Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs pointed out that the report agreed with the force's decision to grant Horner vetting clearance and that "our processes were consistent with national practice at the time".

Mr Snuggs added: "Our thoughts remain with the young girl and her family who have been affected by Horner's criminal behaviour.

"Such behaviour has no place in policing or in society."

He said a review of all the recommendations would be completed and any necessary changes made.

Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, who asked for the report, said it was clear there were "a number of areas of learning for the force to improve how it manages intelligence and information".